FDA Approved Black Seed Oil

In the spring of 1996 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted
a patent for drug use as an immune system stimulant. The drug is based on extracts
of "Nigella Sativa," more commonly known as the black seed to Muslims or black cumin. The patent was based on "a pharmaceutical composition containing an extract of the plant Nigella sativa... for treated cancer, preventing the side effects of anticancer chemotherapy, and for increasing the immune functions in humans."

Muslims have been using and promoting the use of the "black seed" or "al-habbatus-sawdaa" for hundreds of years. It has become very popular in recent years and is sold by many Muslim and non-Muslim businesses. A large part of this herbal preparation's popularity is based on the teachings of the Prophet (pbuh).

The Prophet (pbuh) said, "There is healing in the black seed for all diseases except death." However, many products that are presently sold as "black seed" may be black cumin, black caraway, or even coriander. As-Suyuti's Medicine of The Prophet (pbuh) has black seed listed as coriander seeds, with arguments presented for black cumin, terebinth, and even mustard. However, research seems to favor "black cumin" or Nigella sativa as the black seed. Black cumin may be referred to as nutmeg flower or roman coriander, and even fennel flower by gardeners.

Black cumin has been used for a variety of medical problems for several thousand
years. They range from stomach aches to asthma, cancer to coughs, and the traditional
use as a spice. Black cumin is also used as: a carminative (rids the body of
gas from the intestines), a digestive (aids in digestion), a diuretic (increases
urine flow by ridding the body of excess water), an emmenagogue (promotes/regulates
menstruation), a galactagogue (increases production of milk), a resolvent (dissolves
boils & swelling), a stimulant (increases the flow of adrenaline and energy), a stomachic (relieves stomach disorders), a sudorific (increases perspiration), a tonic (improves bodily functions), and a vermifuge (expels worms). Caution should be taken when using the black seed to insure that you are taking the black seed look for the words Nigella sativa. Only this plant, as opposed to true cumin or coriander has the ability to "heal all diseases".

Research suggests that the black seed is an effective anti-tumor treatment
for certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and fibrocystic breast
disease. The black seed may also be of possible benefit in treating high blood
pressure. Except its potential to cause spontaneous abortions (and only in
high doses), there may be little, if any, toxic side effects to using it. There
is even some research on the possible contraceptive abilities of the black
seed. More research is being done on its effectiveness and research trials
are also being planned in various countries to study its actual effects on
humans. However, the Prophet's (pbuh) words tell us there is healing in this
plant. However, there is more to be learned regarding the appropriate doses
for various medical problems.

Following are some of the common 'folk remedies' using Black Seed:

1. Dizziness and ear infection: use it as a drop for the ears for "infection";
and drink it in tea and rub under your cheek and at the back of your neck for
dizziness.

2. For women and delivery: it is the best thing for helping with the pains
of labor. Boil the black seed with honey and drink.

3. For skin diseases: mix a unit of the black seeds' oil with a same unit
of rose water and 2 units of brown flour. Before you use the mix rub the area
with a cloth dipped in vinegar. Lightly apply the mix to the skin and then
expose to the sun every day.

4. Rheumatism: Warm black seed oil and massage the oil into the painful areas.
Also, make a drink of boiled black seed and mix with honey, drink before going
to sleep; and have a lot of yaqeen (full-faith).

5. High blood pressure: Mix the black seed with hot liquids you may drink,
such as coffee, tea, etc; and rub your body with the oil and have yaqeen.

6. Chest pains and colds: Add 1 tablespoon of the black seeds in boiling water
and inhale the vapor and cover your head before you sleep.

7. Heart burn: add a few drops of black seed oil to a hot cup of milk and
add one teaspoon of honey. Also, eat a lot of lettuce.

8. Eye pain: rub the oil around the eyes before you sleep and mix a few drops
of the oil with hot drinks.

9. Ulcers: Mix 10 drops of black seed oil with a cup of honey. Eat 1 spoon
of this mixture daily, every morning, before you eat or drink anything else.
Follow with a glass of milk. Do this for two months.

10. Cancer: Rub the affected area with black seed oil. 3 times a day drink
a mixture of a teaspoon of the oil with a glass of carrot juice. Do this for
three months.

11. Laziness: Mix 10 drops of black seed oil with a glass of orange juice
when waking up for 10 days. Important, do not sleep after Fajr salat.

12. For memorizing: Boil mint and mix it with honey and 7 drops of black seed
oil-drink while warm any time of the day. Also, stop drinking coffee and tea.